Studies have found that women diagnosed with endometriosis may be at a higher risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack compared to women without endometriosis. While women’s heart disease risk typically increases after menopause, having endometriosis can result in an increase in heart problems for women under 40 years old. Ryhm Radjef, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health, explains how endometriosis impacts the heart and what women can do to offset their risk.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to that found inside the uterus (called endometrium) begins to grow in other areas of the body (outside of the uterus). Most commonly, this tissue impacts areas of the female pelvis and parts of the female reproductive system including the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
This condition, which impacts an estimated 10% of women, can result in pelvic pain, especially during menstruation. Additionally, the buildup of this extra tissue around the ovaries and fallopian tubes can also affect your fertility.
“Because these tissue buildups are similar to that found inside your uterus, they react with fluctuations in your hormones,” says Dr. Radjef. “So, when your body gets ready to have a period, all of the areas of endometriosis also become inflamed and irritated. This can result in pain, heavy periods, bodily inflammation, and the development of scar tissue and ovarian cysts.”
Women's Heart Center
Inflammation And Your Heart
Inflammation anywhere in the body can have an impact on your heart. Inflammation causes your body to operate in a high-stress state. When cortisol (your stress hormone) levels are up, it is likely that your heart rate and blood pressure up are as well.
“Inflammation makes it easier for blockages to develop in arteries around the body,” says Dr. Radjef. “These blockages can directly result in a heart attack, stroke or other arterial diseases.”
As a result, if you have endometriosis, steps need to be taken to reduce your risk of developing heart disease at a younger age because of the inflammatory impact it has on your body.
How Women With Endometriosis Can Lower Their Heart Disease Risk
Unfortunately, endometriosis is a chronic condition that many women struggling with will have to learn to manage throughout their lives. When it comes to minimizing your risk for heart disease, diagnosing and treating endometriosis is a good place to start, however, there are other lifestyle changes you should also consider to help improve on your overall heart health.
Dr. Radjef provides these suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart:
- Get chronic conditions under control. Endometriosis isn’t the only inflammatory condition that impacts the heart. Talk with your doctor to explore what options are available for you to minimize bodily inflammation.
- Eat a heart healthy diet. Focus your diet to prioritize plant-based proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods or foods that are high in fat or sugar. These foods can not only increase bodily inflammation, but also increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Exercise regularly. Moving your body can actually help reduce inflammation and in turn, reduce your risk of heart disease. Get your heart pumping every day any way you can – from going for a quick walk around the block to lifting weights that challenge your strength in the gym.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Diabetes and obesity are two major risk factors for heart disease. By eating healthy and exercising your setting yourself to avoid any excessive weight gain.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Alcohol and tobacco use not only contribute to bodily inflammation, but they also increase your risk for high blood pressure. Not to mention that smoking also damages your blood vessels – putting you at increased risk of developing heart attack-causing blockages.
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, so as women go through menopause and estrogen levels drop off, it is possible for symptoms to become less severe. However, this isn’t always the case, and some women may continue to deal with endometriosis even after menopause. Additionally, without as much estrogen in the body, women are much more vulnerable to developing heart disease.
Dr. Radjef stresses that regardless of if you have endometriosis or not, all women should be aware of their potential for heart disease and make lifestyle changes early on to help minimize a greater risk in the future.
Reviewed by Dr. Ryhm Radjef, Director for the Women's Heart Center and Cardio-Obstetric Program at Henry Ford Health.
